The ducts were the problem. Reverse airflow during transition.
On to nola michoud & ses100b. 04/06/2015 @ 17:06 [ref: 69019]

Tom Lancaster, NY

In regards to the X 22 , I own the motorhome that was ground control for this exciting ship . It is equipped with ( 2) 5 kW Onan Generators , (2) roof a/c units .It is a Condor 1968or9 with very low miles and hours .A very solid unit . Some of the mounts and brackets are still in tact which housed a lot of the instrumentation . This unit is still the same way I purchased it several years ago by bid . I need to do something with it and I need to know if there is any interest in it . Please call (716) 462 7003 Thank You l 08/05/2014 @ 07:06 [ref: 68587]

Russ Voelker Martinsburg, WV

Scott, you might want to click on, or cut and paste,this link http://www.ebay.com/itm/X-22-A-Bell-Aerospace-Airplane-Wood-Model-Free-Ship-New-/130453488101?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e5fa241e5 to find a model of the X-22a. Photos are already posted of this model I purchased. 09/05/2013 @ 12:51 [ref: 68049]

Scott Niagara Falls, NY

I am looking for a shelf/desktop display model of the X-22. Does anyone have one or know of anyone who might have one for sale? 08/22/2013 @ 08:19 [ref: 68027]

I'll never forget the time that he took me to work at Bell on Niagara Falls Blvd. and let me stand on the cockpit step right next to one of the huge fan ducts (not running obviously), and walking on the catwalk above the full-size mock-up of the hydraulic controls and electrical system. I also remember witnessing some test flights, as well as test flights of the Bell "Rocket Belt," and Hydro Skimmers.

He was very proud of the X-22a and was devastated when the first one crash landed. Too bad the second one didn't make it further than the prototype/experimental phase.

We recently added Dad's name to the Wall of Honor at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum at Dulles Airport, "Dedicated to all who have shared a passion for flight," and went as a family to see it. In the museum we noticed that they had one of the scale models of the X-22a on display. Interestingly they had the display wrong - the two front fans were pointing down (which was impossible) and the back two were pointing up, which would have put the aircraft into nose-down summersault. I notified the people at the museum and hopefully they've corrected it. (I'll try to post a photo).

Good work by all the fine Bell employees who designed, built, and flew this amazing aircraft! 04/30/2013 @ 11:01 [ref: 67778]

Patrick Gorman Corry, PA

I worked for Bell AeroSpace during the late 60's/early 70's and worked in Quality Control in the R & D Lab. The lab was run by a Charlie Billman I believe. I had the opportunity to inspect some minor component assy's used on the X-22 such as small cable assy's and such. On lunch breaks, we would walk over to the hanger(s) and sometimes get to see the X-22's. My family owned a greenhouse business on Ward Road out in Sanborn which was just about where 1520 went down. It was cordoned off very quickly and we did not get any pictures of it. I did see much of the wreckage after it was placed in the hanger at the Bell Plant in Wheatfield. I have seen and taken photos of 1521 when it was on display at the Museum in Niagara Falls when it was located on 3rd and Niagara Street. I have purchased a resin kit of the X-22 which I have not built yet but hope to soon. I look forward to seeing her on display again! 02/05/2013 @ 10:46 [ref: 67554]

Russell Voelker Martinsburg, WV

FYI.....

The only exisiting Bell X-22A (1521) will be back on display at the new location of the Niagara Falls Aerospace Museum...the former Niagara Fall Airport Passenger Terminal. It hopes to be open by May 2013. 01/04/2013 @ 04:36 [ref: 67473]

AL , DE

Yes remember it well flying over the house in Town of lockport. Always with a small chase plane closeby. Then one day saw just the chase plane come back and knew, even as a teen that something had happened. Years later read what had happened. I remember the excitement of hearing the drone of the fans and seeing the aircraft. Things seemed so innovative back then in this area with Bell thriving, as was everything else. Is the playing field level yet? 09/10/2012 @ 11:54 [ref: 67203]

Karen North Tonawanda, NY

My dad was the QC Inspector on the X-22 at Bell Aerospace when the X-22 (both) were being built. He has since passed but I still have some of this "collection". I remember I was young when the one ship crashed on Hoover Rd. My dad on vacation at the time and was called back to assist at the crash scene. 03/23/2012 @ 12:09 [ref: 54417]